Enjoy The View: 12 Beautiful Windows To Let The Light In

Design editor Lauren Petroff shares the most breathtaking windows from the H&H archives. What would a great room be without great bones? Vaulted ceilings, charming archways and other architectural features all contribute to a beautiful backdrop, but for me, it’s all about the windows! While their shape, scale, style, color — and even the way they’re dressed — can define the style of a home, the best thing about them is their ability to brighten a space. Windows bridge the gap between indoors and out, framing the changing landscape and reconnecting us to nature. Get inspired to let the sun shine in with a statement window by checking out some of the most breathtaking ones we’ve featured in H&H.

This room by Brian Gluckstein features the most amazing picture window. One simple, elegant and massive pane of glass beautifully spotlights the garden views and lets light flood the dining area.

Photographer:

Michael Graydon

Source:

House & home November 2013

Designer:

Brian Gluckstein

Though simple, this small stairwell window delivers big impact. You can almost feel the sea breeze pouring into this Chester, N.S., home, washing over the fresh white-painted stairs, walls and floors.

Photographer:

Janet Kimber

Source:

House & Home July 2014

Designer:

Deb Nelson

Taking windows to new heights — literally! — this relaxing conservatory has incredible glass walls and a soaring peaked ceiling, making it an ideal spot to savor the afternoon sun.

Photographer:

Michael Graydon

Source:

House & Home May 2013

Gorgeous french doors function as windows in this sunny living room. Designer Jill Kantelberg flanked them with neutral floor-length drapes, and went with a punchy black curtain rod mounted close to the ceiling to emphasize the space’s height.

Photographer:

Angus Fergusson

Source:

House & Home August 2013

Designer:

Jill Kantelberg

A white-painted wood-slat floor and ceiling, rustic furnishings and generous windows come together perfectly in this sunroom, creating an inviting and relaxing environment.

Photographer:

Jean Longpre

Source:

House & Home April 2013

Designer:

Rollande Vachon

In the second-storey home of an ultra-cool couple (who own an equally cool design shop, Mjölk, just below), large folding doors open up to a small courtyard — a seriously jaw-dropping design move. When pulled shut during the colder seasons, the doors function as floor-to-ceiling windows.

You can hardly tell that this space is a basement! An immense picture window spans the length of the back wall, allowing a huge amount of light to shine in and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor feel.

Photographer:

Virginia Macdonald

Source:

House & Home September 2013

Designer:

Sally Armstrong

Designer James Davie drew the color palette for this home from the surrounding rivers and countryside. He carried the natural scheme throughout the house, right down to the watery blue-painted window mullions.

Photographer:

Angus Fergusson

Source:

House & Home October 2014

Designer:

James M. Davie

Thanks to wraparound, floor-to-ceiling windows, this serene principal bedroom enjoys uninterrupted sightlines into the woods, letting the great outdoors do all the talking.

Photographer:

Janis Nicolay

Source:

House & Home May 2014

Designer:

Howard Airey

A classic multi-paned window is a lovely detail above this serving area, creating a bright, airy spot to set out appetizers or mix drinks.

Photographer:

Janet Kimber

Source:

House & Home July 2014

Designer:

Deb Nelson

These expansive glass walls create a dining space that’s both impressive and inviting. Sheer roman blinds dampen the heat from the midsummer sun, without detracting from the lush natural views.

Photographer:

Toni Soluri

Source:

House & Home April 2013

Designer:

Katherine Newman

This window seat is a great design feature, adding comfortable seating and visual interest with its long cushion and vibrant throw pillow. It’s an ideal spot to read or catch a quick nap.